Why "Alternative Wisdom"?

Theologian Marcus Borg uses the expression "alternative wisdom" as a counter to "conventional wisdom." (Buy his books and read them--all of them--because my explanation of what he says will fall very, very short.)

Conventional wisdom says "Look out for number one."
Alternative wisdom says, "Seek first the Kingdom of God."

Conventional wisdom says, "If someone hurts you, get even."
Alternative wisdom says, "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us."

Conventional wisdom says, "Be afraid of anyone who is different than you are."
Alternative wisdom says, "Variety in creation is God's gift to us."

Conventional wisdom says, "Be good now for the sake of heaven later."
Alternative wisdom says, "Be good now because the joy of eternal life begins right now!"

Conventional wisdom says, "God is a cosmic Santa Clause who rewards those who are "nice" and punishes those who are "naughty."
Alternative wisdom says, "The God who created us, knows our great capacity to do good AND to do evil and, by grace, loves us, forgives us and sets us free to love and be loved."

Alternative is different...oftentimes a minority opinion/point of view. To embrace alternative wisdom is joyful, challenging, sometimes lonely and always amazing.